Tuesday, April 15, 2014

2014 - Piazzale Michelangelo

I thought it would be interesting to check out the Piazzale Michelangelo. I was there a long time ago and remembered the view to be molto bellissimo! It wasn't until I was about 3/4 of the way there that I realized this would be more than a casual stroll. A map is included below to put things into perspective. Round trip was about 3.2 miles, but the view was worth every step.


The lilacs are blooming on Museo Bellini.


Yet another picture of Ponte Vecchio. Afternoon light is the best!

Mmmm - an idea for dinner?

La Biblioteca Nationale Centrale (National Central Library)

A couple ways to enjoy the fiume Arno...


Still more lilacs...

I've arrived to find the larger-than-life copy of Michelangelo's David, in the center of the piazzale.

There are many vendors up here, all seeking tourist Euros. This one was tempting but at about $150 for 20 minutes, it was out of my reach. 

I did touch it, though...

A panoramic view of Florence (the city center, anyway).

Coming down, there is a nice view of the Piazza Poggi, named after the architect Giuseppe Poggi who created it. A native of Florence, he received numerous commissions for renovations of palaces and gardens.

From 1864, he designed the city's urban renovation, which included the demolition of the walls, the creation of alleys in place of them and of several scenographic squares.

The tower, better known as as the Torre di San Niccolo was the only tower not to be cut down during the siege of Florence in 1529. It is 55 meters (180 ft) high and was one of the very important 'doors to the city': closed at night and re-opened in the mornings.

Most likely one of Poggi's alleys.

I noticed this vintage Mini Cooper on the way home.

Ciao!


Monday, April 14, 2014

2014 - GiardinoTorrigiani

I took a short walk along the side of a private garden, the GiardinoTorrigiani. A map of my walk is below. I did not have a specific destination; I was just out exploring.



The Torrigiani garden is the largest privately owned garden in Europe, situated within city boundaries. More information about the history of this garden is available at: Giardino Torrigiani

I was drawn to these massive structures! On the right is a reminder of what it was like to live within a walled city. (Easily 6 feet wide!)


On the left, what's left of an ancient fortification.


A private spot in the garden.



Once past the garden, I entered into Piazza della Calza.


This building still has the remains of an earlier fresco.




Exiting, I caught a glimpse of this statue. The tulips are doing well.


Further on, I came upon a dog park.


Respect the Garden and the Nature. Also, keep your dog on a leash and pick up the poop!


This is next to the Boboli Gardens and an Institute of Art. The Boboli Gardens are part of the Pitti Palace complex, which I visited a few days later.


Some of the sights and sounds of my return... (Sorry that the camera is a bit too close to the wall.)


Ciao tutti!

Sunday, April 13, 2014

2014 - Week Two is in the Can!

Actually that doesn't sound right! I mean to say that Week Two is done, and I'm on to Week Three. Pray for me!

Here are a few pictures from this week, starting with the staff.



Riccarda thought it was cool that we have the same first name.


These are my instructors; Paolo and Costanza. Paolo tortures us with i verbi and Costanza teaches vocabulary and conversation. 


Here are a couple pictures of Paolo's handiwork.



Costanza fills the board like this several times during our 2hr sessions. She is quite the artist.






Not sure what the future will bring, but I say "Bring it on!"

PS - I have been dreaming in Italian! Verbs and such.., Come si dice "yikes" in italiano?

I hope I got it right subliminally, or I'm really sunk!

Ciao!!

Saturday, April 12, 2014

2014 - I think I'll buy a Fiat!

There are so many to choose from! Which one do you think I should invest in?


  


Hey Joyce! This could be our new SUV!


 My personal favorite is not exactly a Fiat! 

Yes, for only 110 Euros (about $150), you can take it out for a TWENTY MINUTE test drive!



Sunday, April 6, 2014

2014 - April 4: Piazza del Duomo, pt 2

My admission ticket from yesterday was good for 24 hours, so I'm off to climb the cupola of Santa Maria del Fiori and visit the Museum. 

There is a narrow balcony about 1/2 way up (on the inside of the dome) that you can walk around. This is looking back towards the main doors of the church. I'm about over the alter.


It gave me a great view of the dome and it's frescoes. I chose this picture because you can see a crack. More about that later...


My first set of (the never ending) stairs. This dome is actually a dome within a dome and you climb up between them. Notice the slight slope or curvature at the right? 

At this stage traffic is going both ways, making it tricky to climb.


Towards the top, you can see the bricks of the outer dome. They are arranged in a pattern called 'spina di peche', or what we call herringbone. 



Once you pop out at the top, the view is simply breathtaking!
  

From this high, you can really see how huge the Pitti Palace is. I believe we visit there next week.


The curve of the dome is enough that you can't see it's base.


Zooming in, you can see that there are just a few scooters down there!


Looking down, at the tiles.


Plant life and moss!


A couple pictures of where I was yesterday.



This is how the dome looks from the bell tower.



I was amazed at the amount of material (mostly marble) that was brought up here. Brunelleschi also figured out how to do this.


There are 8 each of these decorative supports.


The craftsmanship is amazing.



Time to head back down.


Really? More stairs?


These made me dizzy...


Notice the lack of hand rails!


Remember the crack from earlier? It made me a bit nervous and I wanted to get a better shot on the way down. There is a crack, but it looks much worse from a distance. Just some of the plaster/fresco has fallen.



About half way down, I spotted this work area. I understand that the workman lived in the dome while it was under construction, in order to save time getting to/from work.


Back on terre firma, I'm off to the museum. 

The original Baptistery doors by Ghiberti (known as the Gates of Paradise) are on display here. This is just temporary, until a permanent (and larger) display area is finished.





A few closeups. Can you spot Ghiberti's signature?




Michelangelo actually worked in this building. This is one of his Pietas. He also carved the 'David' here.


A bust of Brunelleschi is here in the museum.


How are your skills with Roman numerals?


Heading home. Hey, it must be Prima Vera (Spring).


Tempting!!!